US to allow imports of fresh mango from Vietnam

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending its regulations to allow the importation of fresh mango fruit from Vietnam into the continental United States.

After analyzing the potential plant pest risks, APHIS scientists determined that mangos from Vietnam can be safely imported under a systems approach.

The systems approach is a series of measures taken by growers, packers, and shippers that, in combination, minimize pest risks prior to importation into the United States.

In this case, the systems approach for mangos from Vietnam includes orchard or packinghouse requirements, irradiation treatment, and port of entry inspection, to protect against the introduction of plant pests and diseases.

APHIS is also requiring the mangos be imported in commercial shipments and accompanied by phystosanitary certificates verifying the fruit was produced under these conditions. The certificates must also include an additional declaration stating the fruit was inspected and found free of black mango spot.

The final rule will publish in the Federal Register on November 29, 2017, and will become effective 30 days after publication, or on December 29, 2017.